(3) Participation rates are based on age group rather than a school year.

The overall participation rates for the ACT, as published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in Schools Australia 2003, are:

15 year olds

106.7%

16 year olds

102.4%

17 year olds

91.8%

18 year olds

23.3%

19 year olds

2.9%

The participation rates for 15 and 16-year-olds are greater than 100 per cent because of NSW students enrolling in ACT schools.

Approximately two thirds of Year 12 students are aged 17 in July.

Education-information technology testing

(Question No 1400)

Mr Pratt asked the Minister for Education, Youth and Family Services, upon notice, on 11 March 2004:

(1) What is the current percentage goal that the Government aims for when information communication technology (ICT) competency testing takes place in ACT Government schools;

(2) In relation to a standard set in 2001, the first year of ICT testing, by the former Liberal government which indicated that the ICT testing supports a key Government result area, which states that 95% of Year 10 students in A.C.T. Government schools will receive certification for their ICT competencies by 2001, has the current Government increased the percentage goal of students to achieve ICT competency certification; if not, why not;

(3) Has the Government considered broadening the testing since the former Liberal Government introduced ICT competencies; if so, what other areas could be tested; if not, why not;

(4) Has the Government considered introducing ICT competency testing for Year 6 students.

Ms Gallagher: The answer to Mr Pratt's question is:

(1) The current percentage goal is 95%.

(2) The current Government has not increased the percentage goal of 95% of Year 10 students receiving ICT certification. The goal is set at 95% to allow for students who are unable to complete the ICT competencies assessment process. This includes students who are unable to be assessed for a variety of reasons, including disability and, late enrolment (Term 4) at a school, and those who do not complete all the competencies due